“Amaranth (…) is a highly nutritional pseudo cereal with a superior amount of proteins when compared to true cereals. It is a reasonably well-balanced food with functional properties that have been shown to provide medicinal benefits. The health benefits attributed include decreasing plasma cholesterol levels, stimulating the immune system, exerting an antitumor activity, reducing blood glucose levels and improving conditions of hypertension and anemia. In addition, it has been reported to possess anti-allergic and antioxidant activities.”(1)

Amaranth is considered a superfood because of its many nutritional qualities. There has been renewed interest in this ancient seed and many studies keep showing its nutritional benefits. “The grain has 12 to 17% protein, and is high in lysine, an essential amino acid in which cereal crops are low (…) The grain is high in fiber and low in saturated fats, factors which contribute to its use by the health food market”.(2) “Amaranth contains approximately twice as much lysine as wheat, about four times as much calcium and twice as much iron and magnesium.”(3). The high lysine content in amaranth sets it apart from other grains. Food scientists consider the protein content of amaranth of high “biological value”, similar in fact, to the proteins found in milk.(4) Amaranth is also high in phosphorus and potassium and it’s also the only grain documented to contain Vitamin C.(5) Amaranth is also naturally gluten-free.

Amaranth is considered among the world´s most promising crops. It is a tall, broad-leaf plant that produces clusters of tiny bright purple flowers that produce thousands of tiny seeds. The leaves and the seeds are edible. The plant is also ornamental, its flowers have the peculiarity that even after drying they keep their bright color. “Amaranth” derives from Greek “amarantos” which means “unfading”.

Although Amaranth is often wrongly referred to as a grain, it is a seed. It is also considered as a “pseudo-cereal”. There are over 60 different species of Amaranth, but only three species are cultivated for seeds: Amaranthus hipochondriacus, Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus caudatus.

Amaranth is also known as Kiwicha, Huautli, Rajgaro, Rajgira, and Ramdana, it is an ancient crop domesticated about 7000 years ago. It was first cultivated by the Mayas and later by the Aztecs and the Incas. Amaranth was used not only as food, but also as a tribute, cash crop and in religious ceremonies to make idols. For this last reason the Spanish conquerors prohibited their cultivation and use. Despite the fact that the crops were burned and its cultivation prohibited, the plant survived and is now gaining international recognition for its high nutritional value and agricultural sustainability. “It’s fast growing, has a tolerance to drought conditions, can grow in poor soils and is easily cultivated throughout the year making an ideal crop in regions where conventional crops cannot grow.”(1)

“The amaranth was selected by NASA to feed astronauts for its high nutritional value for their full use, for its short growing season and its ability to grow in adverse conditions. Therefore, it was described by NASA as a CELSS (Controlled Ecological Life Support System) crop, as it removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and at the same time, generates food, oxygen and water for the astronauts.”(2)